Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16, 2021
Issue No. 380
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Willie Mays led the injured Los Angeles Dodger catcher back to the dugout |
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My Favorite Willie Mays Memory
by Bruce Macgowan
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(Above) Bruce Macgowan, Bogey, wife Colette and daughter Molly
Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his
45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book.
So many appropriate tributes poured in recently when baseball’s beloved
‘Say Hey Kid' turned 90 years old. Those of us who are old codgers all have special memories of Number 24. In 1962 Mays jolted the Giants to a National League pennant, clubbing 49 homers which included shots out-of-the-yard on his first and last at-bats of the regular season. Later in the twilight of a fabulous career, at age 40, Mays clubbed a homer on the last day of the regular season, again to help clinch the 1971 NL West Division title in San Diego. And throughout the memorable decade of the 1960s, Mays was the centerpiece of a great Giants team which contended every year throughout the decade.
I was lucky enough to see Willie play at Candlestick Park dozens of times over the years, as my dad and best friends and I would drive out to the windswept park to watch the very best in baseball.
The enduring memory I have of Willie goes back 56 years to the 1965 NL Pennant chase. The Dodgers and Giants were dueling again for the top spot that year and on a warm but blustery afternoon in late August my best friend, his brother and his dad and I sat in the bleachers out beyond the fence at Candlestick to watch a classic showdown.
It was one of the few times that two of the great pitchers of that era, the flame throwing Dodgers lefty Sandy Koufax and the Giants high kicking ‘Dominican Dandy’ Juan Marichal were matched up.
The Dodgers led the Giants by a mere two games in the standings and whoever won this decisive third game of a series would have some momentum going into the season’s stretch drive.
Like most major league pitchers, Marichal was an intense competitor. In the first two games of the series Juan was constantly ‘chirping’ at the Dodgers, taunting them from the Giants dugout.
Like Marichal, Dodgers catcher John Roseboro also had a short fuse and with each new insult, Roseboro glared over at Marichal and told him to, “shut the @#%$ up!” But that only provoked Juan into escalating his verbal assault.
In the first inning of Sunday’s game, Marichal knocked down shortstop Maury Wills and first baseman Ron Fairly. That really got the Dodgers, but especially Roseboro, steamed. LA took advantage of Marichal, putting men aboard and took an early 3-1 lead.
In the fourth inning, with Marichal at the plate. Roseboro went to the mound and told Koufax, “Shut the loudmouth down. Make him hit the dirt!” However, Koufax was having none of it. The blazing left hander threw a fastball which sometimes topped out in the mid 90s, as hard as any starting pitcher threw in those days. But he was also deathly afraid of hitting a batter because he knew he could do some serious damage.
Koufax was not like Marichal and he certainly wasn’t at all like the menacing, intimidating St Louis Cardinal ace, Bob Gibson, who routinely knocked down hitters with relish.
With Marichal at the plate and Roseboro calling for an inside ‘brush back’ pitch, Koufax threw a wide one instead and the ball got away from Roseboro and dribbled to the backstop. The muscular catcher went to retrieve the ball and then buzzed a throw back to Koufax that Marichal later claimed slightly ticked his ear.
“What the hell did you do that for?!” an angry Marichal screamed, and the infuriated catcher then moved menacingly toward the smaller Juan, intent on clobbering him. To protect himself, Marichal instinctively grabbed his bat with both hands while Roseboro clutched Marichal by the front of his jersey and cocked his right arm.
Before he could throw a punch, Marichal brought his bat down on Roseboro’s head. The whole sequence took only a few seconds but it stunned everyone. Roseboro now staggered forward and nearly fell to the turf, blood pouring out of a head wound.
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Culminating back and forth insults, Giants pitcher Juan Marichal (27) took offense when Los Angles Dodgers catcher John Roseboro buzzed his ear with a return throw to Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. Marichal came up swinging his bat at Roseboro’s head
Out in the left field stands my friends and I watched the spectacle unfold in disbelief. We had never seen anything like it. I think it would be safe to say that most of the 42,000 fans who packed Candlestick Park that day hadn’t either.
Now as furious as an enraged bull, Roseboro tried to pull away from teammates and the Giants players who joined the scrum. Roseboro was intent on beating the Giants pitcher to a pulp but Willie Mays stepped in, pulling the furious Roseboro away from the fray and quietly cradled his bleeding head.
“John, you’re hurt.” Mays said softly. “Let’s get you away from here, to the dugout.”
With Willie's help Roseboro stumbled away from the rest of the players and umps who were milling around. Marichal was kicked out of the game and later suspended and fined. He had to sit out for eight games, which amounted to two starts.
When you gave Sandy Koufax a two run lead, he was usually good for a win. However, the Dodger ace told me years later that he was badly shaken by the incident. In the fourth inning, with two men aboard, Mays came to the plate with Roseboro’s blood still on his uniform. Pitching cautiously, Koufax tried to sneak a fastball past Willie but Mays jumped on it, reaching across the plate to smash the ball in the opposite direction.
Mays had perhaps the strongest and quickest wrists in baseball and he whacked a low line shot to deep right center field which cleared the cyclone fence and gave San Francisco a 4-3 lead. The Candlestick crowd exploded as everyone was on their feet roaring while Willie circled the bases. It turned out to be the winning blow as the Giants held on to win and the pennant race tightened that afternoon to a mere game.
During an interview years later Willie told me that, “I hit a lot of balls out to right center field because so many balls I hit to left were knocked down by that wind.”
Making the proper adjustments, Mays was probably the most dangerous hitter in the game. Very few hitters could hit with the kind of power to all fields but Willie Mays certainly could. How many homers did Willie hit off Koufax in his career?
“That may have been the only one I hit off of Sandy. It’s the only one I remember. Sandy was such a great pitcher,” he told me.
But I get the feeling that Mays may have hit a few others off the Dodgers ace. Against another Hall of Famer, lefty Warren Spahn, Mays hit 18 homers in his career. His first off the Braves’ ace was back in 1951, a shot that went over the roof at the old Polo Grounds in New York.
The Giants fell two games shy of the pennant-winning Dodgers who went on a long winning streak down the stretch of the 1965 season. Losing Marichal for two turns in the rotation might have cost San Francisco the pennant but at least Mays had some consolation. Willie won his second National League MVP award that year, at the age of 34. The homer he hit that day was only one of 54 he hit that season, and just one of the 660 he hit during his fabulous 22-year career. But it’s the one I most vividly remember.
Happy 90th to the ‘Say Hey Kid!'
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Golden State Warriors 114
Oklahoma City Thunder 97
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San Francisco Giants 7
San Diego Padres 1
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Oakland A's 6
Tampa Bay Rays 3
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San Jose Sharks 4
Arizona Coyotes 5 (OT)
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Left wing Rudolf Balcers got the Sharks on the board with a goal in the first period, but San Jose fell in overtime to the Arizona Coyotes, 5-4, at SAP Center on Saturday, May 8. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Defenseman Mario Ferraro gives up his body to block a shot by Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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A's, Giants, Warriors,
Kings & Sharks Schedules
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Junior Giants Glove Drive
Today kicks off the annual Junior Giants Glove Drive! Did you know that 12,000 Junior Giants do not have a glove of their own? With a $20 donation to our 2021 Virtual Junior GIants Glove Drive, you can make sure that all players have what they need to PLAY BALL this summer. As a thank-you, you’ll receive your choice of a Mike Yastrzemski jersey pin or a San Francisco Giants Heart Flag pin.
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Donate today to get tickets and T-shirt, autographed baseball, jersey, or meet & greet
Don't miss your chance to get one of these limited edition 2021 A's shirts! Now through Sunday, make a donation to the Oakland A's Community Fund and receive two Plaza Level ticket vouchers and a limited edition gift based on donation level, including A's mask T-shirt, autographed baseball, autographed jersey or meet & greet. Support the Oakland A's Community Fund today.
The Oakland A's Community Fund takes an innovative and dynamic approach to improve the quality of life in Oakland and the East Bay. Through educational programs, youth sports initiatives, and various volunteer efforts, the A's are committed to making the community more equitable and inclusive.
*Vouchers available for select games throughout the 2021 season. While supplies last. Gift based on donation level.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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The 'Say Hey Kid' turned 90 last week. For those who don't know, I'm tawkin' about baseball's icon and legend, Willie Mays.
I've learned not to assume anything. Willie is acknowledged to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time. This will be the first of back-to-back question about the history of
Willie Mays...
For what reason was Willie Mays banned from baseball?
You get bonus points for knowing (1) the Commissioner who banned him and (2) the year he was banned...
(See answer below...)
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San Jose Earthquakes 2
Real Salt Lake 1
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Wondolowski scores twice; Quakes extend winning streak to three and jump to first place in Supporters' Shield standings
SANDY, Utah - The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday evening, extending their winning streak to three and jumping to the top of the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings. San Jose handed Real Salt Lake their first defeat of the season after a perfect 2-0-0 start.
Real Salt Lake would go up 1-0 moments before halftime through Rubio Rubin. A long throw in was headed towards Rubin and he proceeded to control and bicycle kick the ball goalward, beating goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski at the near post.
San Jose equalized in the 83rd minute. Forward Chris Wondolowski, a second-half substitute, scored on a point-blank shot after goalkeeper David Ochoa made a diving save to his right on a shot by Carlos Fierro.
The Quakes then dramatically took the lead four minutes later. Fierro sent a long cross into the box from the right flank and Wondolowski headed the ball past Ochoa.
The Earthquakes will now return to San Jose for three straight home matches, beginning Wednesday, May 12 vs. Seattle Sounders FC, presented by Fastmetrics. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
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Stanford Cardinal 17, Colorado Buffaloes 10, in Finals
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Stanford defeated Colorado, 17–10, to win the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 8, 2021.
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Stanford senior attacker Galen Lew (#35) looks to distribute the ball. Lew finished with three assists and one goal. Stanford defeated Colorado, 17–10, to win the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 8, 2021. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
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Colorado senior defender Eliza Cahill (#4) and Stanford senior attacker Katherine Gjertsen (#17) battle for the ball. Stanford defeated Colorado, 17–10, to win the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 8, 2021. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Stanford Cardinal 18, Arizona State Sun Devils 11, in Semifinals |
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Stanford sixth-year midfielder Genesis Lucero (#20) scores Stanford’s second goal around Arizona State goalkeeper Berkeley Bonneau (#00). Stanford defeated Arizona State, 18–11, in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 6, 2021. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
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Stanford freshman midfielder Ailish Kelly (#12) is fouled by Arizona State senior midfielder Maura Cissel (#17). Stanford defeated Arizona State, 18–11, in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 6, 2021. To view an album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Cal Bears 9, Arizona State
Sun Devils 17, in Quarterfinals
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California redshirt senior defender Ella Annest (#11) advances with the ball ahead of Arizona State attacker Kerri Clayton (#22). Arizona State defeated California, 17–9, in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 5, 2021.
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California sophomore midfielder Amanda Morse (#25) celebrates a goal in the second half. Arizona State defeated California, 17–9, in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament at Stanford Stadium, Stanford University on May 5, 2021. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Alex Ho.
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In the Shadow of Obscurity |
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Author Arif Khatib (above left)
As a person who has traveled the world and chronicled his journey, and recently completed his memoirs for his family, Arif Khatib set out to create a book that would combine three of his passions: sports, history and social justice, while shining a much-needed light on the contributions of forgotten and unheard-of athletes of color. The Shadow of Obscurity: Toiling in a Reluctant Society realizes his vision.
Author Pete Elman (above right)
Pete Elman is a musician, journalist, author and teacher. Originally from Washington, D.C., he grew up loving rock and roll, sports and history. His father, a Justice Department lawyer who argued cases in the Supreme Court—most notably Brown vs. Board of Education—imbued in young Peter a strong sense of social justice.
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Ford Motor Company Celebrate Ford in Trans-Am
Featuring 55th Anniversary of the Pony Car Wars
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George Follmer in the Ford Mustang Boss 302 leads the Plymouth Barracuda driven by Dan Gurney in the 1970 Trans Am Championship race at Laguna Seca.
MONTEREY, Calif., May 4, 2021 – The distinct unmuffled rumble of brute American muscle cars will be celebrated at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 12-15 as Ford Motor Company presents Ford in Trans-Am - a 55th Anniversary.
Created by the Sports Car Club of America in 1966, the Trans-Am series initially spotlighted mostly European under-2.0-litre cars, yet it was the mighty V8s that catapulted the series into prominence. Ford led the way, capturing the over-2.0-litre manufacturers’ title in 1966 and 1967, led notably by Jerry Titus behind the wheel of Shelby American Team’s Mustang.
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is about celebrating key milestones, achievements and motorsport history in a lively high-octane festival experience. There are few race groups that captivate all audiences more than historic Trans-Am with its all-American lineup and drivers who were household names in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The mantra “Win on Sunday. Sell on Monday” was more than a slogan, it was true for the automakers of these production-based racers.
“Mustang is one of the biggest success stories in automotive history and its success began on this very race track in Trans-Am’s early days,” stated Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO. “We’re so proud to return to Monterey this August to re-live this memorable chapter in our history -- some of the best racing ever witnessed -- and a significant contributor to the Mustang story.”
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The same silhouette of the Ford Mustang Boss 302 remains a fan favorite each year at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, as seen here descending
the Corkscrew in 2019.
The Ford feature display will showcase the company’s path to Trans-Am fame against rival Camaro Z/28s, AMC Javelins, Plymouth Barracudas, Dodge Challengers and Pontiac Firebirds.
“The histories of Ford, Trans-Am and Laguna Seca date back to 1969 when the series made its way to Monterey,” explained John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “It was a who’s who of drivers that August weekend. In Fords were Peter Revson, George Follmer, Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney, who finished third in his Ford Mustang Boss 302. Mustang came back to win in 1970, with Parnelli Jones taking the checker.”
“The Ford team really understands that their heritage is a critical path leading to the company’s future,” said Barry Toepke, director of heritage events and public relations for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “In addition to showcasing their performance achievements and hosting notable Trans-Am drivers, Ford will highlight its present and future.”
Full ticket packages, from single day tickets to comprehensive VIP experiences, are available online at WeatherTechRaceway.com or by calling WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s guest relations associates at 831-242-8200. For added visitor convenience, the Laguna Seca Recreation Area campground is open and safely operating under all health and safety protocols to provide a cost-efficient housing alternative when visiting Monterey Car Week.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Willie Mays and (bonus info) Mickey Mantle,
both retired and both in no way involved in baseball anymore, were banned in 1980 and 1983 respectively, by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn after they were hired by casinos in Atlantic City,
New Jersey, as greeters and autograph signers.
Kuhn opined that a casino was "no place for a baseball hero and Hall of Famer." The bans took place prior to the Hall formalizing its policy against inducting banned persons, and the Hall took no action as a result of Kuhn's decision. Mantle and Mays were reinstated by Peter Ueberroth in 1985, and Mantle died in 1995. (You'll have to look for the paragraph I used, but it's worth the search.) https://bit.ly/3evv34f
https://bit.ly/3w5omMr will take you to an article of what could have been, with Mays and Mantle being on the same team.
It is certainly a history that is still not really only history yet.
Suggestions? Caught me off-base for misinformation?
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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For the best real estate listings homes and property on
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Consider!
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The Ultimate Sports Guide!
The Ultimate Sports Guide needs people (as in more than one) familiar with basic social media technology and e-marketing. Utilize your technical skills to advance your career, add to your resume and learn from sports industry professionals. Send a note and resume to sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, May 10 through
Sunday, May 16, 2021
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Monday, May 10
Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 11
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m.
San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers, 12:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Boston Red Sox, 4:10 p.m.
Wednesday, May 12
San Jose Sharks vs. Las Vegas Knights, 6 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Boston Red Sox, 4:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 13
Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies, 5 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Pittsburgh Pirates, 3:35 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Boston Red Sox, 4:10 p.m.
Friday, May 14
Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies, 6 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Pittsburgh Pirates, 3:35 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Minnesota Twins, 5:10 p.m.
Saturday, May 15
San Francisco Giants @ Pittsburgh Pirates, 3:35 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Minnesota Twins, 1:05 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers, 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 16
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, TBD
Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz, TDB
San Francisco Giants @ Pittsburgh Pirates, 10:05 a.m.
Oakland A's @ Minnesota Twins, 11:10 a.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
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